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Skin

Four Easy Tips On How To Be An Instant Bronzed Beauty

Summer is officially here and what redhead doesn’t yearns for a cheeky bronzed glow, like Cintia Decker? But, with our naturally pale skin that’s not always possible without a little cosmetic help.

Here are 4 “redhead friendly” bronzers to add color to your cheeks without harmful UV rays:

1. Urban Decay ‘Baked Bronzer’: This super fine powder adds high impact color without streaks. Because of its high pigment, just a little swipe on a big, fluffy blush brush along the bridge of your nose and check bones will give you the appearance of a “beach babe” without all the UV damage.

2. Benefit ‘Sun Beam’: The geniuses at Benefit call this product “liquid sunshine in a bottle;” now who wouldn’t want that? This golden bronze highlighter gives you a natural, sunkissed look that can be used with or without make up and compliments every skin tone!

3. NARS Illuminator in ‘Orgasm’: This product should be in every redhead’s makeup kit. The peachy- bronze color is über complimentary with our fiery locks and gives a lit within, healthy glow. Use it anywhere on your face that you want to highlight like cheekbones and even eyelids.

4. Perfekt Cheek Perfecting Gel: This is one of my favorite, new products! This multi-tasking product is a tinted cheek perfecter that instantly enhances the appearance of the skin while giving a perfect color match to every skin tone. It’s a must-have for any ginger who wants the look of super smooth skin with believable color.

Tip: Use on your brow bones to really open up your eyes.

With these fabulous products, redheads can be bronzed beauties while still protecting their delicate skin!

 

Pictured: Model, Cintia Decker

Hair

8 Summer Beauty Tips for Your Red Life

It is already a brutally warm summer and it’s necessary to enhance your beauty regimen to match the hot elements. Use these 8 tips to keep beautifully red and Rock it like a Redhead!

1. Bronze. Bronzer always enhances the cheekbones, makes your eyes look brighter and your teeth whiter. Although, it is important to not wear too much because it will keep you from looking fresh and natural. Apply bronzer at the high points of your face where the sun naturally hits you. Try: Tarte, Park Ave Princess

2. Fun Colors. It is the perfect time to try out bright lipsticks and fun nail colors. Bright tones not only make you look youthful, but compliments your red hair, too. Try: Susan Ciminelli Woodberry Lipstick and Essie Absolutely Shore.

3. Stop The Shine. When humid, hot days approach the T-zone can instantly start shining more than ever before. To eliminate the shine in seconds, use blotting papers. They are cheap and can easily fit in any handbag. Try: Shiseido Pureness Oil Blotting Papers.

4. Prime. The most commonly missed step in the makeup application process is the use of primer. The stuff really works. All you need is a small dot and make sure it is oil free. Try: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired By Carmindy Luminizing Face Primer

5. Switch To Silicone. When you wear liquid foundation or heavy powders in the hot summer heat, it can turn into a runny mess. If you opt for a lightweight silicone-based formula, you’ll notice an incredible difference and still get full coverage. Try: Laura Geller Phenomenal Foundation 

6. Embrace The Humidity. Most natural redheads are born with frizzy, coarse hair and the humidity can wreck havoc on it. Instead of fighting the elements, embrace them by using the right products. The trick is to not use anything that is water-based, such as hairspray. It is important to use cream based products because they will work with your hair and your hair will not frizz up. Try: Pureology Control Twist. 

7. Protect Your Hair. If you’re a natural redhead, it is always a good idea to use a protector to keep your locks healthy and shiny. If you’re a redhead ‘by choice,’ you should use products that will prevent the sun from turning your hair all types of wild colors. Try: Fekkai SunShine Shield Spray.

8. Pick a Great Self-Tanner. There are so many amazing products on the market that you no longer have to worry about turning your skin orange. If you find a great product that gives your skin a beautiful glow, you’ll notice how much your hair and complexion instantly radiate, too. Try: Fake Bake Flawless

Redhead Celebrities

A Review of BRAVE and Insight Into Merida, The New Disney Princess

By: Guest Writer, Lisa Ferreira 

A Disney princess movie without a prince? Must be Pixar.

My seven-year-old son and I are both ‘gingers’ and attended the advanced screening of Brave, a movie featuring a tremendous amount of redheads.  Not quite as emotionally wrenching as past Pixar treasures like UP or WALL-E, but Brave still had me tearing up.

Just as Finding Nemo is a wonderful father movie, Brave is a wonderful mother movie.  The story was surprising and touching, the scenery beautiful and lush and it made me want to Visit Scotland the same way The Lord of the Rings made me want to visit New Zealand.

Ariel has always been my favorite Disney princess, but it always bothered me that she “went Sandy for Danny.” Ariel completely gave up her life, her family, and her oxygen-from-water ways for a hot guy.  Yes, Prince Eric was dreamy, but he also almost married an octopus.

Merida is a different kind of redhead. Although Brave is set in a time long ago, she’s much more modern.  She has many traits I identify with as she’s strong-willed, stubborn, fiery-tempered, and blunt.

Ariel’s time is over – there’s a new redhead in town who doesn’t want to give up anything for a prince.

Also, Merida’s strong character traits makes Brave more than a princess movie and it’s evident because my son never balked at this movie.  The immense redhead representation may have helped (Merida’s father, & her triplet brothers are also redheads), but he wouldn’t even be comfortable holding a lavender popcorn bucket with Rapunzel on it.

And that hair!  Merida’s glorious hair!  I’ve never had such severe curl envy and I suddenly feel like my natural red hair is pretty dull in comparison.  I predict Merida wigs will be all over the place this Halloween and I guarantee her shade of bright orange-red may start to become a huge summer/fall hair trend. Hey, maybe she’ll even bring perms back.

I give the movie 5 stars and can’t wait for you (redheads) all to see it!

 

Brittany Henderson

The Secret To Rockin' Shorts This Summer

By: Brittany Henderson

Redheads, this summer is a scorcher and sometimes wearing shorts is tough because it is hard to know what color fabric will complement our skin tone.  Here are some fun ways to wear shorts and you’re guaranteed to never get lost in the crowd of denim cutoffs.

1. Lace Shorts: Free People’s Scalloped Shorts are fun, flirty and come in three colors! My favorite are the “Flamingo Pink,” but make sure to be careful if you have pink undertones in your skin. If you do, the ivory pair will look AMAZING and make you look more tan! These shorts are also ready for a night on the town if you throw your hair up into a ponytail, add some big chunky necklaces and some killer heels.

2. Prints: This is a great way to play this summer. A print will also draw more attention to your backside, so if you love your butt, a print is the way to go! Urban Outfitters is always a must when looking for fun prints. Also, do not be afraid to mix prints; just do not overwhelm your body with too many. Take one accent color on a larger print and match it with a color on a smaller print for a funky and refreshing summer look. Make sure to stick with neutral shoes and minimal jewelry to make this look work.

3. Linen: I love linen because it is one of the best and most comfortable materials to wear during the summer- it is light and airy and just feels like summer. JCrew makes the perfect linen short this season. The “Brigade Blue” is a fun color to wear and mix and match fun bright summer tanks with. Whether you are at the beach or not, these shorts are going to make you feel like grabbing a good book and a summer drink to soak up the sun.

4. Thrifty Tips: If you are on a summertime budget or trying to save up for your dream vacation, or even if you are working and having a weekend staycation, you can get trendy shorts without breaking the bank. Head to your local thrift store and buy a pair of high waisted jeans, cut them to your desired length, and you have a cute and trendy new pair of shorts in minutes, and for a great price!

5. Rock Heels: As all women know, no outfit is complete without a rockin’ pair of heels, so in order to rock these shorts like a redhead and completely show off those gorgeous legs of yours, make them look mile high in a pair of chunky wedges from Steve Madden, or if you like the more sleek look, try the Michael Kors Belinda Snakeskin Sandal.

6. Sunless Tanner: Also, remember a great self tanner goes a long way. I am not encouraging you to spend a fortune in a tanning bed or on a spray tan, but Jergen’s Natural Glow is a gradual tanner that gets darker and prettier every time you apply. In order to protect ourselves from baking in the sun, use a little self tanner, and no one will know the difference!

Happy Summertime Beautiful Redheads!

Hair

5 Ways to Naturally Attain Healthy, Shiny Hair Without Breaking the Bank

Updated: October 30th, 2023

It is summer and everyone is outside enjoying themselves. But, as sweet as these months can be, there can be some sour consequences. Does dull hair ring a bell? Hours in chlorine pools and the sun can wear down your beautiful red locks.

The best news is that you can make your hair shiny and healthy without spending loads of money while giving your hair the care it needs – the natural way.

Here are our top ways to keep your hair shining throughout the summer months:

1. Finally Glossy® Shine & Luminosity Shampoo for Redheads

It took many years to custom-make the Finally Glossy® formula and we’re so excited for redheads to enjoy it. We’re thrilled to release another clean redhead beauty product. It is paraben-free, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, petroleum-free, mineral-oil, and vegan. It also contains no perfume, is free of gluten and is silicone-free, phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free and cocamidopropyl betaine-free. This clean formula is formulated with Vitamin B3, olive oil, coconut oil and green tea.

SHOP FINALLY GLOSSY NOW

2. Soft Microfiber Hair Towel

When drying your hair opt to use a microfiber towel! Introducing the How to be a Redhead Soft Microfiber Hair Towel for Redheads. Because wet hair is at its most vulnerable, this custom microfiber towel gently and carefully absorbs moisture from your red hair and dries it quickly, all while protecting it from stretching and breakage. This design is uniquely shaped to wrap all of your hair securely (no matter the length), with an elastic strap to comfortably keep things in place. Your hair journey starts here, redheads.

3. Olive Oil

This is one of our favorite leave-in conditioners at home. Apply a quarter size and work through your hair. Wrap in a bun and leave in for 30 minutes.

4. Rosemary Oil

After styling your hair (especially if you use heated tools) it is usually craving moisture. Before and after styling, apply a dime size in the middle and ends of your hair.

5. Hair Sunscreen

In a spray bottle, combine ½ cup of sunscreen, ½ cup of water, and ¼ cup of gel (any type is fine).  Mix and shake very well. If it is too thick, add more water. Spray evenly throughout before hitting the sun. We love hair sunscreen because it prevents your red hair from fading and looking dull.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Photo Credit: Kara Kochalko,  © How to be a Redhead

Hair + Beauty

5 Best ‘Redhead Friendly’ Eyelash Serums

That actually work!

Edited in February 2020

Most natural redheads understand the battle with having very light eyelashes, sometimes almost white. While they are beautiful,  finding products to enhance your natural lashes can truly define the eye and make your red hair pop even more. Eyelash extensions are a great way to give your lashes length and volume but can be costly and require a lot of upkeep. That’s where eyelash serums come into play.

Eyelash serums enhance your natural lashes over time with very little effort. Most serums require a quick application before bed. Be patient, as some serums take weeks, even months, to notice a difference in length and volume. It’s also important to check the ingredients in each serum since the product will be applied right near your lash line, close to your eye.



Keep scrolling to see our five favorite ‘redhead friendly’ eyelash serums.

1. Kerotin Hair Wow the Crowd Eyelash Growth Serum, $31

Kerotin, featured in the February monthly box, offers a hypoallergenic lash serum at a very reasonable price. The tube will last you up to 2 months, depending on much product you apply to the base of your lashes. It is clinically proven, 100% natural, and dermatologist recommended so you can feel safe when applying.

Use code REDHEAD10 to receive $10 off your next purchase on www.Kerotin.com!

2. RevitaLash ADVANCED Eyelash Conditioner, $98

Created by a doctor, RevitaLash was developed to help his wife reclaim the appearance of her once lush lashes that had become brittle and sparse after she endured chemotherapy to treat breast cancer. This resulted in the formulation of an eyelash conditioner that claims to regain the look of long and full lashes. The makers of RevitaLash claim that a once-daily application of the eyelash conditioner will help to provide its users with eyelashes that appear longer, fuller, and thicker in as little as 3 weeks. This product is available without a prescription and though not considered as effective as Latisse, it keeps lashes healthy and moisturized which certainly helps in healthy growth.

3. Latisse*

Much the way that Botox was found to work for wrinkles, the same story is true for Latisse. Botox was discovered by an eye doctor treating patients for eye tics. The doctor noticed not only did Botox stop the twitching, but the patients also had fewer wrinkles around their eyes. The active ingredient in Latisse was originally used to treat glaucoma patients. Just as with Botox, ophthalmologists just happened to notice that when their patients started using this medication like eye drops that their glaucoma got better and their eyelashes grew longer, darker, and fuller– talk about a lucky side effect! Now, Latisse is available by prescription from a doctor and considered the “gold standard” in eyelash enhancement with fantastic results in darkening and lengthening!

*Prices vary regionally, but the average cost of a 30-day supply is between $120 and $140



4. LASHFOOD Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer, $63

This lash serum from LASHFOOD features their patented Phyto-Medic Complex to deliver nutrients to feed the lashes with nature’s most powerful ingredients. It is a drug-free, irritant-free product that is also Ecocert certified, dermatologist tested and approved, and vegan. A great option if you have extremely sensitive eyes. 

This cult-favorite enhancing serum infused with vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids to promote naturally longer, thicker-looking lashes in just four to six weeks. They advise finishing the entire tube (3-month supply) to see full results. It is ophthalmologist-tested and approved, and cruelty-free. 

With so many products of varying price points and formulations, you are sure to find a great lash enhancer to make the most of your lashes!

Confident Lifestyle

Nutrition and Healthy Skin

By: Guest Writer, Kimberly Bither, M.S.

We often think of the importance of eating well to stay fit and maintain our weight, but how about our skin?  Healthy skin is just as important as our weight and fitness level.  It’s the largest organ of the body (yes, we don’t think of it as an organ, but it is!) and we need to take care of it to be healthy and look good, especially as we age.

Redheads are known to have extremely sensitive skin and also burn easily. Therefore, it is essential for us redheads to take care of our skin, both through sun protection and proper nutrition. This can make the difference between gray, wrinkled skin, or having skin that glows and looks young.

Here are some key nutrients that help your skin stay healthy and looking fresh:

Zinc:  It helps with controlling oil function in the skin glands and reducing inflammation, helps with wound healing,  and aids in skin tissue regeneration.  Good food sources include oysters (more than 3 times as much as any other food source!), crab meat, beef , lobster, salmon, cashews, sunflower seeds, and bran.

Vitamin C:  Responsible for making collagen, helping to keep your skin firm and moisturized.  Also helps with wound healing.  The best sources of vitamin C are red peppers, black currants, guava, citrus fruits,  strawberries, papaya, and kiwi.  Vegetables high in vitamin C are kale and broccoli.

Vitamin B6:  This particular B vitamin is important for both healthy skin and hair (though all the B vitamins are needed for good skin healthy).  A deficiency can lead to greasy inflammation of the skin around the nose, eyebrows, and hairline (no one wants that!),  Alcohol, smoking, and some anti-depressants may increase your need for the vitamin, too.  Good sources are wheat germ (great sprinkled on yogurt), wheat bran, bananas, chicken, avocado, tuna, and spinach.

Essential Fatty Acids:  These are those omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids we keep hearing about.  EFA’s help keep skin moist, and a deficiency may lead to dry, flaky skin.  The trick with these, is that most people get too many omega-6 fatty acids through oils, but not enough omega-3 fatty acids.  You can increase your omega-3 intake with cold water fish such as halibut, salmon, and herring, and in lesser amounts with tuna and shrimp.  Flaxseed is also a great source.  You can get ground flaxseed and add to yogurt, cereal, smoothies, and any baked recipe.

Antioxidants:  Antioxidants such as vitamin C, already mentioned, and vitamin E, all help fight free radical damage to skin.  Free radical damage is caused by aging, the sun, and chemicals.  To help keep the skin healthy, make sure you get plenty of antioxidants in your diet.

Other Tips for Healthy Skin:

1. Drink plenty of water

2. Avoid tobacco

3. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber

4. Aerobic exercise

5. Sun protection (of course!)

Rock it like a Redhead! 

 

Photo Credit: Kara Kochalko,  © How to be a Redhead

Hair

Enhancing Your Red Life with L’Oreal Paris’ ‘Redhead Friendly’ Product

Last week, we shared with you one of our ‘must-have’ beauty products for summer: L’Oreal Paris’ Healthy Look Crème Gloss.

VIDEO: Adrienne & Stephanie Rock It Like a Redhead – L’Oréal Paris Style!

Stephanie was blonde for many years and when she returned to being a redhead, she had to find a product that would keep her looking beautifully red. Adrienne has always been a natural redhead, but like most redheads, faces fading and discoloring because of the sun.

It is How to be a Redhead’s goal to find products that will enhance your red look with ease. We love, love L’Oreal Paris’ Healthy Look Crème Gloss. It comes in four perfect shades of red and it only takes ten minutes to apply.

We love quick processes with great results because we live a busy redhead lifestyle!

Since we’ve been using L’Oreal Paris’ Healthy Look Creme Gloss, we can’t believe how our red hair shines and the compliments have been endless. Whether a natural redhead or bottled redhead, you are going to love your red hair more than ever before.

Make sure to take the 2012 Haircolor Census and share YOUR before and after photos for a chance to win a year’s worth of L’Oréal Paris Healthy Look Crème Gloss!

Stay beautifully red and Rock it like a Redhead!

 

 

 

Pictured: Founders, Adrienne & Stephanie Vendetti © How to be a Redhead

Photo Credit: Kara Kochalko

Wardrobe Stylist: Andrew Reynolds

Hair & Makeup Artist: Kiera Doyle

Video Production, Jason Chau & Music Production, Phillip Cocoliato

Photo Location Courtesy of Duane Street Hotel

 

 

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